Alexander Zverev is bang in form, with the German going very strong in 2024, currently sitting on 28 wins and nine losses.
He has certainly peaked at the right time in terms of the French Open, having won the Italian Open in Rome last month.
The world number four is now into he quarter-finals at Roland Garros, but was certainly made to work hard in his round four match.
After Novak Djokovic thanked the crowd for helping him through his late-night win over Lorenzo Musetti, it was Zverev’s turn to play into the early hours.
His opponent Holger Rune put up a mammoth fight, but it was the German who emerged victorious 4-6, 6-1, 5-7, 7-6(2), 6-2.
Alexander Zverev makes Holger Rune prediction after their French Open clash
The number four seed is now into the last eight in the French capital for the fourth successive year, and the sixth time in the last seven years.
He clearly has grand plans to clinch more victories on the court, but Zverev instead decided to focus on the exciting future of his 21-year-old opponent.
“What a match,” said Zverev, as per the official Roland Garros website. “Holger is an unbelievable player, a young talent, you’re going to see him for 15, maybe 20 years on this beautiful court, so credit to him.
“He’s been struggling this year a little bit, but this week he’s been playing unbelievable tennis. I’m lucky. I’m lucky to be through.”
Can Alexander Zverev win his first Grand Slam title?
Young Dane Rune really gave it a good go in Paris, with the number 13 seed denied a third straight quarter-final in the competition.
The lengthy match lasted four hours and 11 minutes, finally coming to an end at 1.40am, undoubtedly to the relief of both players.
While Rune can be proud of another strong French Open showing, Zverev must dust himself off ahead of another huge match.
The German, who also played five sets in round three against Tallon Griekspoor, will now face Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals.
Zverev is certainly in with a fantastic chance of securing a first Grand Slam title, with tennis legend John McEnroe predicting the famous trophy to go his way in Paris.
And given his current form and indeed the lack of a clear favourite, the number four seed himself may just be quietly confident.
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